Getting Started with this Handbook

Contents

1. Display and Browser Options
2. About this Handbook
3. Terminology
4. Glossary
5. Comments and Suggestions
6. Copyright
7. Printing and Retaining Copies

1. Display and Browser Options

People with a visual impairment may have difficulty accessing this Handbook.
To change the size of the text/layout - please use the accessibility buttons on the right-hand panel of each page, they look like this:

Click a larger button to increase your text size, the very largest being high visibility mode.

2. About this Handbook

This Handbook contains all key policies and procedures for foster carers. The policies can be accessed by clicking on the sections on right-hand panel on every page e.g. About Us, Being a Foster Carer.

If you are unable to find the information you require, consult your Supervising Social Worker.

3. Terminology

We have used the following terms and post titles:

Supervising Social Worker	This means the allocated, suitably qualified social worker who is responsible for supervising and supporting you.
Child's Social Worker	This means the allocated social worker from the Placing Authority who is responsible for managing the child's case.
Placing Authority	This means the local authority with overall responsibility for the child's care.
Fostering Service	This means the service provided by the fostering service.
Fostering Service Manager	This means the registered manager of the service provided by the fostering service.
Placement Plan	This is the documentation drawn up by the child's social worker before the placement wherever possible (or where this is not possible, within 5 working days of the placement) which sets out in detail the arrangements for the child's care in the foster placement.

These procedures use the word ‘must’ where the provision is a legal requirement. The word ‘should’ is used where the provision should be complied with but is not a legal requirement, such as where it is taken from non-statutory government guidance or accepted good practice.

4. Glossary

The handbook contains links throughout to a large glossary of useful terms e.g. Care Order (Try it: click on the coloured text). Once clicked, the index page of the glossary will open up and you can search for the term you need.

5. Comments and Suggestions

If you have any comments or suggestions to make about this Handbook please consult your Supervising Social Worker

6. Copyright

The content of this website can be accessed, printed and downloaded in an unaltered form, on a temporary basis, for personal study or reference purposes. However any content printed or downloaded may not be sold, licensed, transferred, copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner or in or on any media to any person without the prior written consent of tri.x.

7. Printing and Retaining Copies

The Handbook should normally be viewed on line but can be printed, for reference only, via the printing options of your internet browser (usually by clicking File from the top menu, and then selecting Print, or using the keyboard shortcut 'ctrl + p').

Please note, the Handbook will be updated from time to time, so you should avoid retaining printed versions and get into the habit of consulting the online version.